1980 BAFCO Fighter Jet Coin-Operated Children's Ride
Selling with NO RESERVE this week at the New England Auto Auction at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head, Maine. View the auction details here!
**THIS PIECE IS SELLING AT THE UPCOMING NEW ENGLAND AUTO AUCTION BEING HELD AT THE OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM IN OWLS HEAD, ME AUGUST 23-24. IT'S SELLING ON FRIDAY AUGUST 23RD. LOT #400. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER WITH THE NEW ENGLAND AUTO AUCTION DIRECTLY. IT'S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS.**
This thrilling 1980 Bafco Fighter Jet Coin-Operated Children's Ride is the ultimate piece of memorabilia. This rare find has been themed with U.S. Air Force and G.I. Joe graphics. BAFCO Ltd (BArry, Fox and COllins) was a British company based in Alford, UK. From the information gathered the company was founded in 1980 and closed in 2003. This example was discovered and restored by Jeff Russell of Big Boys Toys in Oklahoma. The restoration was completed and immediately purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in March of 2024. It's been on display since. August of 2024 is the first time it's ever been listed for sale.
This piece is in show quality condition and in excellent working order. The original fiberglass body was stripped and prepped to be exceptionally straight. During this process a few modifications were made including to the rear jets and cockpit. It was painted with automotive-grade paint. The body was painted in gray to simulate the color of an authentic Fighter Jet. The front nose and cockpit was painted in black for a realistic appearance. The underside was also painted black. The body was decorated with U.S. Air Force and G.I. Joe decals. The entire body was then clear coated for the ultimate shine and protection. The rear jets were customized with orange pieces that light up when operating for a realistic appearance. The cockpit area was painted black. The dash and custom panel was painted gray. The entire fascia was decorated with nine simulated gauges. The stationary control stick area was outfitted with two custom stainless buttons that are fully operational with machine gun sounds. The seat was upholstered with a stitched black material for a realistic appearance.
The BAFCO fiberglass base was also stripped and prepped to be exceptionally straight. It was also painted with automotive-grade gray paint. The bottom side was painted black. The base was decorated with 10 cent and G.I. Joe Action Pilot decals. The entire base was then clear coated for the ultimate appearance. It was outfitted with a new rubber step plate trimmed in chrome. All of the original mechanical, electrical and hydraulic parts were inspected including the 1/3 motor. A new 100 volt power cord was added. The piece was setup with a new coin-mechanism box that starts with a dime or manually. It was painted black and decorated with decals including the Big Boy Toys. It was also setup with a new sound box that plays realistic fighter jet sounds. This is in excellent working order.
This 44 year old piece of memorabilia has been completely restored to high standards. Coin-
operated children's rides are becoming highly collectable and make great conversation pieces.